Superb looks inside and out; high-quality cabin materials; safety features; usefulness; doesn't plow the usual SUV furrow
We'll let you know if something springs to mind
A less powerful T5 drivetrain joins the range, leading to a lower entry price. And a T6 AWD Volvo Ocean Race trim comes in at the top of the range.
The middle-trim T6 AWD seems like the best choice. It has more standard equipment than the T5 and is eligible for a few options. Music lovers should give the Bowers & Wilkins audio system upgrade a listen.
The 2018 Volvo V90 Cross Country premium midsize wagon comes in T5 AWD, T6 AWD and T6 AWD Volvo Ocean Race trim levels.
The T5 AWD ($53,295) has 18-inch alloy wheels, keyless entry/ignition, a panoramic sunroof with a powered sunshade, aluminum roof rails, selectable drive modes, all-LED exterior lighting, rain-sensing wipers, a rear skid plate, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated/10-way power-adjustable front seats with driver's-side memory settings, power-folding/self-dimming mirrors, a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, a powered/hands-free tailgate, a cabin air quality system, the Volvo Sensus Connect infotainment system with a 9-in color display, Wi-Fi, navigation, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone integration (including the Volvo On Call app with remote car control), Bluetooth and a 330-watt/10-speaker audio system with two USB ports, auxiliary audio input and satellite/HD radios. Plus an array of advanced driver aids (see the Safety section below).
The T5 is eligible for a Plus package that includes quad-zone automatic climate control, high-pressure headlight cleaning, a 12.3-in digital driver information display and active "bending" headlights.
The T6 AWD ($57,095) comes with the more powerful engine, along with blind spot monitoring, a heated steering wheel, 19-in alloy wheels and the contents of the Plus package above. The T6 is eligible for a Luxury package that adds super-comfortable front seats covered in Nappa leather with ventilation, massage functions and cushion extensions, along with heated outer rear seats, rear sunshades, a power-operated cargo cover and leather covering for the dashboard.
The T6 AWD Volvo Ocean Race ($61,495) has its own cosmetic additions (inspired by the company's sponsorship of yachting events), rear air suspension and 20-in alloy wheels.
A Convenience package includes a universal garage-door opener, heated windshield-washer nozzles, a 360-degree camera system and a self-parking feature.
Other options include a head-up display, 20-in wheels, self-leveling rear air suspension, integrated child booster cushions for the outer rear seats, a rear-seat entertainment system and a Bowers & Wilkins 1,400-watt/19-speaker audio system.
Behind the rear seats is 33.9 cu ft. of cargo capacity, expanding to 53.9 cu ft. when those rear seats are folded down. Maximum towing capacity is 3,500 pounds.
| Wagon | Original MSRP / Price | Engine | Horsepower | City MPG / Hwy MPG | Transmission | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| V90 Cross Country T5 AWD | $52,300 / $49,162 | 4 Cylinder Supercharged | 250 | 23 / 31 | 8-Speed Shiftable Automatic | AWD4WD |
| V90 Cross Country T6 AWD | $56,100 / $52,734 | 4 Cylinder Supercharged | 316 | 22 / 29 | 8-Speed Shiftable Automatic | AWD4WD |
| V90 Cross Country T6 Volvo Ocean Race AWD | $60,500 / $56,870 | 4 Cylinder Supercharged | 316 | 22 / 29 | 8-Speed Shiftable Automatic | AWD4WD |
| V90 T5 FWD Inscription | $51,950 / $48,833 | 4 Cylinder Supercharged | 250 | 24 / 34 | 8-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD |
| V90 T5 FWD R-Design | $49,950 / $46,953 | 4 Cylinder Supercharged | 250 | 24 / 34 | 8-Speed Shiftable Automatic | FWD |
| V90 T6 AWD Inscription | $57,950 / $54,473 | 4 Cylinder Supercharged | 316 | 22 / 31 | 8-Speed Shiftable Automatic | AWD4WD |
| V90 T6 AWD R-Design | $55,950 / $52,593 | 4 Cylinder Supercharged | 316 | 22 / 31 | 8-Speed Shiftable Automatic | AWD4WD |
Standard features include antilock disc brakes, traction/stability control, active front head restraints, hill-descent control and a full complement of airbags.
The V90 Cross Country hasn't been crash-tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). But we're not expecting safety to be a problem; this is a product of Volvo, a company that has made a name for itself by emphasizing the welfare of its customers and their surroundings.
There are plenty of advanced driver aids, such as adaptive cruise control with detection of pedestrians, cyclists and large animals, plus forward- and rear-collision mitigation, blind spot monitoring with cross-traffic alert, run-off road mitigation and protection, lane-departure warning, road-sign recognition and a driver-drowsiness alert.
| Basic | 4 Years/50,000 Miles |
| Drivetrain | 4 Years/50,000 Miles |
| Corrosion | 12 Years/Unlimited Miles |
| Roadside Assistance | 4 Years/Unlimited Miles |
| Maintenance | 3 Years/36,000 Miles |
2018 Audi A4 Allroad -- The A4-based Allroad is another wagon with SUV leanings. Although it's technically a compact, it's spacious enough to encroach on midsize territory.
2018 Jaguar XF Sportbrake -- Stylish, roomy, useful, luxurious and elegant. Comes with all-wheel drive as standard.
2018 Mercedes-Benz E400 4Matic wagon -- Not endowed with any kind of SUVlike tweaks apart from standard all-wheel drive, but it's luxurious, practical and spacious all the same. Has two extra seats in the cargo area.
Used Audi A6 Allroad -- If there's a club whose members all have wagons with SUVlike modifications, then there would be no shame in turning up with an A6 Allroad. Providing you can find one.
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